Obituaries for March 25, 2021

Janie Ann Acothley-Rhodes

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Janie Ann Acothley-Rhodes are planned for Friday, April 2, at 11 a.m., at the LDS Church in Williams, Arizona.

Janie was born Nov. 15, 1929, to Dan and Sarah Acothley, in Tuba City, into the Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 19, 2021, at her home in Williams.

Janie was daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and loving friend to many.

With Janie’s husband, Emerson Rhodes, they spent their life together making and selling Navajo arts and crafts for the 43 years they were married.

Janie is survived by her sons, Dan Rhodes, Robert Rhodes, Todd Rhodes, and Chee Rhodes; and 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters.

Janie is preceded in death by her husband, Emerson; daughters, Rozan Haines and Janet Rhodes; and one brother, three sisters, and parents.

A reception will be held following services.

Jerrold Brent Foutz

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Jerrold “Jerry” Brent Foutz, 84, was born in Farmington, New Mexico, to Robert Burton Foutz and Helen Decker Foutz. He grew up in Farmington and Kirtland, New Mexico. He passed away March 17, 2021, at his home in Holbrook, Arizona.

Jerry graduated from high school in Farmington, and attended Eastern Arizona Junior College in Thatcher, Arizona, where he met his sweetheart, Mildred Hancock. He then went on to Fort Lewis A & M in Durango, Colorado.

Jerry owned and operated Steamboat Trading Post and Klagetoh Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation for many years. He also owned and operated various businesses in Holbrook through the years.

Jerry and his family have lived in Holbrook nearly 50 years and he loved and contributed to his “hometown” in many ways.

Jerry was known for his firm handshake and his love of his nice custom vehicles with dual exhausts. He was often referred to as “Big Hearted Jerry” and shared his jovial smile with one and all. He was charitable and loved supporting others in their endeavors, and often did so anonymously.

Jerry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a full-time mission in the Great Lakes Mission as a youth and also served two senior missions with his wife in the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission and the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission in Salt Lake City. He served diligently in many leadership positions in the church throughout his life.

Jerry is survived by his wife Mildred; children, Nanette (Ron) McGee, Debra (Scott) Gibbons, Wendy (Stuart) Allan, Julie Berry, Brent (Krista) Foutz, Jason (Sandra) Foutz, and Jeremy (Melanie) Foutz; and 25 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, R.B., Adrian, Decker, and Sandra; and granddaughters, Aryn and Ella Mae.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at norvelowensmortuary.com.

Rudy Tom Yazzie Jr.

TWIN LAKES, N.M. — Graveside service for Rudy Tom Yazzie Jr., 31, of Hunters Point, Arizona, will be held today, March 25, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Twin Lakes, New Mexico, with Pastor Fred Bowman officiating.

Rudy was born March 3, 1990, in Fort Defiance, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia Clan). He passed away March 12, 2021, at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Rudy graduated in 2009 from Highland High School in Albuquerque, and earned an associate in liberal arts in 2012 from Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. He was currently working on a bachelor’s degree in linguistics at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Rudy enjoyed drawing, painting, making Native jewelry, and selling at the flea market with his daughter.

Rudy is survived by his daughter, Aubrey Annette Yazzie of Albuquerque; parents, Jeanette and Rudy Tom Yazzie Sr. of Hunters Point; sister, Jayme J. Yazzie of Albuquerque; and grandmother, Evelyn H. Yazzie of Twin Lakes.

Rudy is preceded in death by Herbert Yazzie, Jerry P. Yazzie Sr., Jane N. Yazzie, and Jennifer Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Kaleb Moore, Seth Moore, Zane Ramos, William Yazzie, Casey James, and Jerry Yazzie Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Jude Yazzie, Tyrone Yazzie, Rudy Yazzie Sr., Dewayne Yazzie, and Richie Ramos.

A drive-thru reception will take place one mile west of Twin Lakes School, following service.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Williams

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Mary Ann Williams, 50, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held March 23 in Fort Defiance, with Steven Joe officiating.

Mary was born July 21, 1970, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). She passed away March 17, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Mary was a caretaker who enjoyed cooking and spending time with family.

Mary is survived by her sons, Chandler Bitsuie and Romarow Williams; daughter, Maria Nez; sisters, Linda Williams and Laura Yazzie; and three grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Guy Williams Sr.; mother, Annie Williams; son, Matthew Bitsuie; and uncle, Guy Williams Jr.

Pallbearers were Melvin Williams, Shammond Goodman, Tyrell Yazzie, Davin T. Begay, Anthony Watson, and Bradley Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers are Alex Williams, Romarow Williams, Gilbert Williams, Chandler Bitsuie, Jasper Williams, and Matthew Bitsuie.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Holmes Jr.

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Richard Holmes Jr., 82, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held today, March 25, at 1 p.m.

Richard was born June 6, 1938, in Ganado. He passed away March 20, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Richard attended Phoenix Indian School and retired as a Navajo Police officer. He enjoyed ranching and farming.

Richard is survived by his sons, Benjamin Holmes and Julius Holmes; daughter, Julia Holmes; brother, Leonard Holmes; sisters, Isabelle Shondee, Louise Denetso, Amy Stockton, and Elizabeth Kuipers; and three grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Holmes; and son, Virgil Holmes.

Pallbearers will be Lyle Laughlin, Zane Laughlin, Casey Lee, Byron Shondee, Myron Shondee, and Brennan Kee.

Honorary pallbearers are Benjamin Holmes, Julius Holmes, Julia Holmes, and Gregory Holmes.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

---